e that there is
reality in religion, and that God's will is beautiful."

"I never thought of that," said Matilda.

"Have you no opportunity to forgive injuries, or unkindness?"

"Oh yes, Mr. Richmond!" The answer came from some deep place in
Matilda's heart.

"Do you use that opportunity well?"

"I don't think I have, Mr. Richmond," said Matilda, looking very
sorrowful. "I think, instead, I have been hating my----"

"Yes. Shall that be at an end now?"

"But how can it?" said Matilda. "I get so vexed"--and she wiped away a
tear. "I get _so_ vexed, Mr. Richmond!"

"I am very sorry you have occasion. But you cannot forgive people
_unless_ you have occasion."

"How can I then?"

"By going to Jesus, just as the sick people went to Him in the old
time, and getting cured, as they did. 'If thou canst believe; all
things are possible to him that believeth.'"

Matilda steadied her trembling little lips, and stood listening.

"Haven't you opportunities to do kindnesses?" Mr. Richmond then said,
softly. Matilda looked up and bowed her head a little. Perhaps lips
were not ready.

"Do you use _them_ well?"

"I think not, Mr. Richmond--lately."

"You know, you can do kindness indoors as well as out of doors, and to
disagreeable people as well as to nice people. We are commanded to be
followers of God, as dear children."

The tears gathered again.

"See how much kindness you can do. No matter whether it is deserved or
not. That is no part of the question. And have you not opportunity to
learn something?"

"I am not going to school," said Matilda.

"Nor learning anything at home?"

"Not much. Not much that is good for anything."

"Never mind. You can do that for God."

"Oh no, Mr. Richmond; it is not useful enough."

"You do not know how useful it may be."

"Yes, sir, because it isn't that sort of thing. Aunt Candy is making me
learn to mend lace. It is no use at all."

"I'll tell you a secret," said Mr. Richmond. Matilda looked up with
fresh eagerness into his face.

"Whenever the Lord puts you in the way of learning anything, you may be
sure He means you to learn it. He knows the use; and if you neglect the
chance, the next thing will be, you will find He will give you work to
do which you cannot do, because you neglected to learn what He gave you
to learn."

"But mending lace?" said Matilda.

"I don't care what it is. Yes, mending lace. I don't know what use you
will find for that accomplishment